The relatively large amount of salt in this bread is the secret to a full-flavored baguette.

Makes 1 baguette.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water (105°‐115° f)
  • 4 to 41/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons salt

    DIRECTIONS

    In a large bowl sprinkle yeast and sugar over warm water and let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes. With a wooden spoon stir in 2 cups flour until combined. Stir in salt and 2 cups of remaining flour until mixture forms a stiff dough.
    On a lightly floured surface knead dough with lightly floured hands 8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic, kneading in enough of remaining 1/2 cup flour to keep dough from sticking. Transfer dough to a lightly oiled deep bowl, turning to coat with oil, and let rise, bowl covered with plastic wrap, until doubled in bulk, about 1 1/2 hours.


    Preheat oven to 400° F.


    Punch down dough and form into a long slender loaf about 21 inches long and 3 inches wide. Put loaf diagonally on a lightly greased large or 17- by 14-inch baking sheet and let rise, uncovered, about 30 minutes. (Baguette may be made up to this point 4 hours ahead and chilled.)


    Make 3 or 4 diagonal slashes on loaf with a sharp knife and lightly brush top with cool water. Bake loaf in middle of oven 30 minutes, or until golden, and transfer to a rack to cool.